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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Blaise170 on Wed, 13 May 2015, 10:58:42

Title: Any ideas for fixing this SMK Monterey Blue? Is it compatible with Alps?
Post by: Blaise170 on Wed, 13 May 2015, 10:58:42

Hi guys, I purchased an Ultra (Chicony) KB-5181 off eBay hoping for some SKCM blue or Monterey Blues. It turned out to be the latter but the F11 key is broken. It appears that the leads just got ripped out so I have my doubts about being able to fix it. If it can be fixed, how should I go about doing so? If it cannot, can it be replaced by an Alps switch? I know that they have keycap compatibility but not sure about mounting holes. I'll get a Matias switch from MK.com if they are compatible.

More

(http://i.imgur.com/L8t0LnX.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/WF3nro6.jpg)

Title: Re: Any ideas for fixing this SMK Monterey Blue? Is it compatible with Alps?
Post by: FrostyToast on Wed, 13 May 2015, 11:00:04

Monterey switches use an entirely different mounting system.
You can only replace smk switches with smk switches. Normal alps will not work.

Title: Re: Any ideas for fixing this SMK Monterey Blue? Is it compatible with Alps?
Post by: CPTBadAss on Wed, 13 May 2015, 11:05:07

Yeah unfortunately those holes aren't the right ones. Take a look at this:

(http://i.imgur.com/5Sxtxz8.jpg)
Bottom of the Alps switch with the legs

(http://i.imgur.com/ZvfRYEY.jpg)
PCB

See how the holes on the PCB and the legs are slightly different on the "complicated" or SKCL/SKCM Complicated Green Alps versus the SMK "Monterey Blues" that you have?

Like FrostyToast said, you'll have to find SMK Alps-mount switches you do like.

Title: Re: Any ideas for fixing this SMK Monterey Blue? Is it compatible with Alps?
Post by: Blaise170 on Wed, 13 May 2015, 11:08:01

Ah okay. I may just return it to the seller then. This is a great board but I'm not sure how easy it would be to find another SMK switch... (http://files.overclock.net/images/smilies/thinking.gif)

Title: Re: Any ideas for fixing this SMK Monterey Blue? Is it compatible with Alps?
Post by: Findecanor on Wed, 13 May 2015, 11:10:05

Ouch.. That one looks like it is broken beyond repair. The SMK switches use different pins and holes in the mounting plates from Alps switches. Only the keycap mounts are compatible.